Proper time reparametrization in cosmology: Möbius symmetry and Kodama charges

It has been noticed that for a large class of cosmological models, the gauge fixing of the time-reparametrization invariance does not completely fix the clock. Instead, the system enjoys a surprising residual Noether symmetry under a Möbius reparametrization of the proper time, which maps gauge-inequivalent solutions to the Friedmann equations onto each other. In this work, we provide a unified treatment of this hidden conformal symmetry and its realization in the homogeneous and isotropic sector of the Einstein-Scalar-Λ system. We consider the flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) model, the (A)dS cosmology and provide a first treatment of the model with spatial constant curvature. We derive the general condition relating the choice of proper time and the conformal weight of the scale factor, and give a detailed analysis of the conserved Noether charges generating this physical symmetry. Our approach allows us to identify new realizations of this symmetry while recovering previous results in a unified manner. We also present the general mapping onto the conformal particle and discuss the solution-generating nature of the transformations beyond the Möbius symmetry. Finally, we show that, at least in a restricted context, this hidden conformal symmetry is intimately related to the Kodama charges of spherically symmetric gravity. This new connection suggests that the Möbius invariance of cosmology is only the corner of a larger symmetry structure which could be relevant beyond cosmological models.

Analysis of the profile of brazilian fellowship researchers productivity in physiology: observational study

In view of the devaluation of Brazilian education and science observed in recent years and considering the importance of Physiology as basic science it is necessary to carry out the general mapping of this area by analyzing the profile of productivity researchers fellows and, therefore, highlight possible discrepancies existing between the different levels of categories. This is an observational, descriptive study. Free access was made to the information contained on National Council for Scientific and Technological Development website for the identification of PQ fellows. We found 193 PQ fellowship in Physiology, 72% of which were located in the Southeast region. We also observed a predominance of male fellowships (54.9%). Regarding the distribution by public and private sectors, 94.8% were in the public service. Among the Institutions where the researchers were located, 6 of them are responsible for 52.4% of the PQ fellowships. When analyzing the total number of PG programs reposted in the Lattes, we found a total of 152 PG programs, of which 46 are in the area of CBII. We conclude that although researchers from all over the Brazilian territory may apply for a Productivity Grant, these are still concentrated in the Southeast region, thus revealing the disparity in distribution. We also highlight the distribution of fellowship by sex, indicating a predominance of males, especially at higher hierarchical levels. Based on our data, the most researchers are linked to only one graduate program and 27.6% of them are allocated to the area of Biological Science II.

Modeling of pollutants from artisanal refining of crude oil in Port Harcourt: A case study of Eagle Island

Air sampling was carried out on the research area (Eagle Island) using both experimental and Gaussian dispersion model. A DM 106(particulate mass monitor) was applied to deduce the concentrations of suspended particulate matters (PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10). Also, concentrations of pollutants (NO2, VOCs, SO2) were obtained using an Aerqual 300 device, while temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction were measured using Portable extech 45156 weather station and compass with experimental values obtained for two days (morning and night). Thus, these experimental concentration values obtained was plotted showing level of concentration at different locations (distances). In addition, Gaussian dispersion model was used to predict pollution concentration at various distances to ascertain the level of pollution within the research study area. Modeled results obtained was compared with experimental values to evaluate deviations, and a GIS based model (ARCGIS) was used to determine the general mapping of the research study area with dispersion of pollutants from source to distance up to 1000m depicted.

Mind the Gap! On the Discursive Construction of Collective Political Identities

This article explores, from a theoretical perspective, the dynamics underlying the discursive construction of collective identities within the political domain. Specifically, it: (1) presents a general mapping of political sphere studies carried out from a semiotic perspective; (2) attempts to bridge different paradigms within the semiotic tradition; and (3) establishes a dialogue between political theory and semiotics through the analysis of certain ideas belonging to the former whose semiotic nature has not yet been adequately examined, even if they are of a discursive nature. The article pays particular attention to the role that the ‘political gap’ – i.e., the space of indetermination between the various collective political identities that compete against each other in the ‘contest over meaning’ of politics – plays in the discursive construction of those identities. Arguing from a constructivist premise, establishing relational differences is a constitutive feature of the meaning-making, dynamic, and gaps between collective identities, a necessary precondition for their discursive emergence and the political sphere’s existence.

Paradigmatic patterns: a postscript on collocation

In this paper, we discuss collocational changes for the wordsmigrantandimmigrantin the British press over the course of the “Referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union”. We show the emergence of a completely novel collocation,skilled/unskilled migrant, and discuss how it can be analyzed as a ‘paradigmatic pattern’ that establishes a correspondence between the wordmigrantand the most strongly conventionalized collocate of adjectives likeskilledandunskilled, namely,worker. This correspondence contributes to a general mappingmigrants as workersin a discourse that frames migration mainly in terms of its economic contribution (or lack thereof).

Affect in Media and Communication Studies: Potentials and Assemblages

After a general mapping of the different understandings of affect, this article focuses on two aspects of a Deleuze-Guattarian understanding of affect which are of particular relevance for media and communication studies. The first is understanding affect as <em>potential</em>. It is through the forces of encounter that bodies are affected and that these affections then can be turned into action, into their capacity to affect. The second is understanding the perpetual <em>becoming</em> that takes place through continual encounters between bodies; with each encounter, the body changes, however slightly and subtly. The concept of <em>assemblage</em> that allows one to grasp these dynamics and complexities is discussed as an approach towards a much more complex theoretical grounding for processes of agency and power. Working with affect in media and communication studies, a three-fold strategy will be presented: to analyse how media generate affects and capitalise on them; to analyse what media do—in the sense of mobilizing potential; to analyse phenomena of mediated communication as assemblages. The article ends with challenges and new paths for conducting research on affect.